How to make a Gel Plate Monoprint with a Feather

Learn how to make monoprints using the Gelli Arts gel plate, acrylic paint and a feather or two.

Gel plate printing is a fun craft--it's fast and easy, there's no skill level and it's a surprise every time you pull a print.

Gel plate printing is great for background texture in scrapbooks, card making, junk journaling, art journals, calligraphy background and as fun modern art.

Supplies Needed for Gel Printing with Feathers:

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• Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate (5x7)
• Brayer (5-7" wide)
• Plaid's Multi-Surface Paint (Variety Pack)
• Print Making Paper or Laser Print Paper 24 lb
• Feathers (or find some of your own on a nature walk)
• Baby Wipes

For the best feather monoprint, ruffle the edges of the feather so they are spread out a bit, this will make it more visually interesting.

WHAT IS GEL PLATE PRINTING?

Unlike screen printing and stamping, gel plate printing is only good for one single print, a monoprint.
Mono meaning one, and print.

Gel plate printing is a fun surprise every time you pull the final prints because of the various effects and interesting textures that can't be duplicated the same way next time in second prints.

The abstract compositions can be layered and layered using negative space or leaving blank space on the printing surface for journaling.

Step 1: Gel Plate Printing with a Feather

Begin by removing the plastic sheet from the top and bottom of the flexible Gelli Arts gel plate.

Then add a small amount of paint to the top surface of the gel plate.

Roll the paint around the top surface until it is smooth, if it is too thin, it may lift off the paint as it dries too quickly...if the paint is too thick, it will have trouble making crisp prints.

Experiment a little to find the right amount of paint for your climate.

Step 2: Gel Plate Printing with Feathers

Now press the feather face down onto the surface of the gel plate while the paint is still wet.

Cover with a sheet of paper and press down firmly, focusing on the areas around the feather.

Careful not to let it slide around on the gel plate, this may be an indication that there is too much paint on the gel plate.

Then lift up the edge of the paper and begin to peel it back.

Step 3: Gel Plate Printing with a Feather

Now you have two options to finish off the FEATHER print:

1. Pull the entire paper off the gel plate revealing a silhouette of a feather on the paper surrounded by paint.

2. Pull back the paper just enough to reveal the feather, then remove the feather from the gel plate and press the paper back down on the gel plate. Press firmly all over the surface, then peel back the paper, revealing a detailed feather!

I  nearly always do the second option, I just love the feathery detail from the jellie transfer.

That's it!

Enjoy making a feather mono print or two with the Gelli Arts Gel Plate, Plaid's Multisurface acrylic craft paint and some feathers of various sizes.

This fun craft is great for all paper crafting, card making, journaling, group exhibitions or party/craft nights, bookmarks and much more!

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CHECK OUT THIS 10 PART SERIES ON GELLI ARTS GEL PLATE PRINTING USING PLAID MULTI-SURFACE PAINTS!

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER MONOPRINTING POSTS!

How to Make Gel Plate Monoprints (DIY Art Printing)

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Monoprints are single time prints and can be created with just paint or layers of texture and impressions.

These are super fun to create and I'll teach you how to get the best results, but you can experiment and make them your own in no time at all.

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Learn how to create beautiful bookmarks with gelli printing art monoprints!

Mono printing with a gel plate or gelli plate is so much fun, and transforming your gorgeous unique pieces and prints into laminated bookmarks is a quick and easy craft.

Let's get started creating these gorgeous ginkgo leaf printed bookmarks!

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Card making is one of my favorite, and OG crafts, I started card making in 2006.

These cards with monoprinted backgrounds are easy to make, stunning and perfect for any occasion.

Let's get started using these beautiful mono prints!

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This is a fun nature craft that works with the leaves used on gel plate ginkgo leaf prints, with a subtle amount of gold acrylic paint on each leaf surface.

Let's get started creating these natural and earthly bookmarks!